SDF

Question 1

what is silver diamine fluoride made of

Answer 1

silver and fluoride stabilised in ammonia

Question 2

what is SDF used for

Answer 2

arresting caries and relieving dentinal sensitivity

(in UK only licensed for use as a desensitising agent, any other use is off label)

Question 3

what concentration is SDF

Answer 3

38% with 44’8000ppm fluoride

Question 4

how does SDF work

Answer 4

reduces sensitivity by occluding dentinal tubules
silver and fluoride work synergistically for caries arrest - silver is bacteriocidal and fluoride promotes remineralisation

Question 5

SMART technique

Answer 5

silver modified atraumatic restorative technique
placing SDF under a GIC restoration

Question 6

indications for SDF

Answer 6

• children whos age/co-operation/anxiety exclude other treatment options
• asymptomatic cleansable cavitated carious lesions into dentine
• acclimitisation prior to further treatment
• arrest of caries whilst awaiting further treatment

Question 7

contraindications of SDF

Answer 7

• signs/symptoms of irreversible pulpitis
• signs/symptoms of dental abscess or sinus
• radiographic signs of pulpal involvement
• pregnant or breastfeeding
• active ulceration, stomatitis , mucositis
• allergy to ingredient

Question 8

clincial procedure for SDF application

Answer 8

• apply petroleum jelly to soft tissues and lips
• dry teeth using cotton wool rolls
• apply sdf to lesion using microbrush
• allow to dry for at least 1 minute